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Barrington Tops National Park wilderness guide
National Park · NSW

Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a stunning expanse of subalpine wilderness located in New South Wales, Australia. Renowned for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park267,6224+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

267,622

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Barrington Tops National Park

Barrington Tops National Park is a stunning expanse of subalpine wilderness located in New South Wales, Australia. Renowned for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and dramatic landscapes, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Barrington Tops National Park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to snow gum woodlands. Situated in the Great Dividing Range, the park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Its peaks, which were formed by volcanic activity, rise over 1,500 meters above sea level, offering dramatic vistas and cooler climates that support a variety of unique flora and fauna. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails that wind through ancient beech forests and along pristine rivers. The park is home to several endangered species, including the powerful owl and the broad-toothed rat. Established in 1969, Barrington Tops attracts nature lovers with opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. The Gloucester and Paterson River systems provide excellent locations for fishing and kayaking, while winter months occasionally bring snowfall, transforming parts of the park into a winter wonderland.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Barrington Tops National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Coastal Charms of Hunter Region★ 8.2⌖ 13 miBeach Exploration
Hunter Region

Coastal Charms of Hunter Region

The Hunter Region, NSW, offers a captivating mix of stunning beaches and vibrant forests. Perfect for beach exploration, hiking, and wildlife spotting, this area is busy in summer but offers serene experiences in spring and fall. Key spots include Stockton Beach Dunes and Barrington Tops National Park.

Beach ExplorationView Details→
Discover the Beauty of Port Stephens Council★ 7.0⌖ 51 miDolphin Watching
Port Stephens Council

Discover the Beauty of Port Stephens Council

Explore Port Stephens in NSW, featuring dolphins and whales from May to November. Enjoy activities like sandboarding on Stockton Dunes and hikes with views in Tomaree National Park. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Dolphin WatchingView Details→
The Majestic Ellenborough Falls★ 8.5⌖ 56 miHiking
Ellenborough Falls

The Majestic Ellenborough Falls

Ellenborough Falls offers a majestic 200m drop and vibrant natural surroundings. This moderate hike near Elands, NSW, is ideal for adventurous visitors who love nature and photography. Drive-in access makes it easily reachable.

Waterfall Wonders: Apsley Falls★ 7.2⌖ 73 miHiking
Apsley Falls

Waterfall Wonders: Apsley Falls

Explore the stunning Apsley Falls in New South Wales. These waterfalls, found within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, offer excellent hiking trails, bird watching, and picnic spots. Enjoy this serene location, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking peace and breathtaking views.

Majestic Horizons: Wollemi's Natural Wonder★ 8.8⌖ 89 miHiking
Wollemi

Majestic Horizons: Wollemi's Natural Wonder

Explore Wollemi National Park's vast 5,017 sq km wilderness near Sydney, NSW. Perfect for adventurous spirits, this area offers hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing. Part of a World Heritage Area, it's known for its rugged sandstone cliffs and rare biological diversity.

Nature's Gem: Bouddi National Park★ 8.5⌖ 100 miHiking
Bouddi National Park

Nature's Gem: Bouddi National Park

Explore Bouddi National Park near Gosford, featuring the Bouddi Coastal Walk and serene Maitland Bay. Ideal for hiking, spotting marine wildlife, and camping. Enjoy vibrant, unspoiled landscapes and historical insights.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Gloucester Tops Circuit – a renowned trail offering diverse landscapes✦ Antarctic Beech Forests – ancient trees that support a rich ecosystem✦ Polblue Swamp - a unique subalpine marshland known for birdwatching✦ Carey’s Peak - a prominent summit offering panoramic views
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Barrington Tops National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Barrington Tops National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Barrington Tops National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, but camping fees apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Barrington Tops National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Polblue Campground

Located at one of the highest points, offers facilities and access to nearby trails.

Honeysuckle Campground

Offers a more secluded experience with limited facilities; ideal for star gazing.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Barrington Tops National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Tomalla
⌖ 19.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tomalla, New South Wales

A quiet rural gateway to rugged landscapes and rich natural reserves ideal for authentic bushwalks and off-grid discovery.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Rosebrook
⌖ 38.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rosebrook, New South Wales

A tranquil rural retreat offering easy access to rolling hills, bushwalking trails, and nearby river activities in the Hunter Region.

Autumn and SpringExplore Town
Scone
⌖ 38.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Scone, New South Wales

A gateway to Australia’s Horse Capital, offering scenic countryside adventures, horseback riding, and outdoor exploration in the Upper Hunter Valley.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Muswellbrook
⌖ 38.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Muswellbrook, New South Wales

A rural gateway offering scenic river trails, open bushland, and quiet country roads ideal for outdoor exploration and nature-based activities.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Singleton
⌖ 39.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Singleton, New South Wales

A gateway to the scenic Hunter Valley with rich outdoor opportunities ranging from river paddling to rugged hikes and mountain biking trails.

Autumn and SpringExplore Town
Luskintyre
⌖ 40.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Luskintyre, New South Wales

A tranquil rural landscape with a unique blend of aviation history and countryside outdoor activities, ideal for families and adventure seekers seeking less crowded escapes.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Barrington Tops National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.